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Pssst!
Check out one of
N.Y.C.'s Best Kept Secrets!
A Hidden Relic from the past
with reNEWed passion & purpose

At the pulse of one of New York City's oldest towns and the

Home of the Hollis Preservation Association
A Country Oasis in the city within
minutes of all that NYC has to offer!
A Must See Unique
Historical Treasure!

Jason Antos, President, Queens Historical Society

"It's something that has been somewhat overlooked by time and is a survivor and it's still here with us today."

Judy, Visitor - New York City (Oct. 2016)

" I pulled into the driveway and was like, 'Oh my goodness!' It just looked as if someone had picked up a piece of land from the countryside and dropped it right smack in the middle of the city. Wow! "

The AIA Guide to New York City

This large, freestanding, elaborately ornamented Italianate house is a remarkable throwback to the area's 19th century roots. Good console brackets.

Brian Morrison, Producer - Hollywood, California (Oct. 2016)

" If this house was in California, I would film here all the time! I think this is an amazing house, a great place to film. "

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It's A Special Home at a Major Crossroad...

In its almost 200 years, the stand-out Hollis Ketcham House, has seen many changes.
Photographed in 1922 by famed
photographer & NYC historian
Eugene L. Armbruster

"The Ketcham House"

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It's A Special Home at a Major Crossroad...

The Ketchams Move In.

In its almost 200 years, the stand-out Ketcham House, has seen many changes.
1849
1931 - 1953

The Amazing

History

of the Ketcham House

Explore the History of the Ketcham House

A Millionaire Takes Over

Fashion Icon & Moving Pictures Star

The Foundation of a New Community

1885 - 1890's
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This beloved home rooted at the intersection of the PAST and the PRESENT is awe-inspiring!
This treasured home has found renewed purpose: LODGING FOR GUESTS; ENGLISH LANGUAGE HOMESTAY for foreign students; and FILM-MAKING!

2013

2014
2010
B&B and Vacation Rental
English language Home Tuition & Sightseeing
Location for Film Shoots
LODGING FOR GUESTS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE HOMESTAY
FILM-MAKING
Loads of space to relax and enjoy!
Live, Learn & Explore with an experienced language specialist.
Nice selection of rooms and diverse landscaping.
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Jos Ashley single-handedly takes on the restoration of this historic home.

It's A Special Home at a Major Crossroad...

This Old House has stood the test of time and almost 200 years on, it continues to flaunt its beauty.
2015

1 Summer

An Amazing feat of Strength,
     Diligence & Compassion

+ 1 Man

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Stop a while. EXPLORE!

and welcome... !

You've found that hidden historical treasure!

The Ketcham House

Welcome to...

Welcome to The Ketcham House in Hollis, Queens

A Hidden Treasure

It's something that has been somewhat overlooked by time and is a survivor and it's still here with us today. - Jason Antos, Pres., Queens Historical Society - New York City (Jan. 2021)

Protected by a thick line of blue spruce and other evergreens in a less visible corner of one of the most amazing and exciting cities in the world, there is a hidden gem -- a bit of the country nestled in the midst of the hustle and bustle that is New York City -- The Ketcham House. This lovingly preserved home on its oversized property evokes visions of the late 1800's. The house holds the secrets of a time long past, but just step inside and you will enjoy all the amenities of the 21st Century.

Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council and Jason Antos, Pres. of the Queens Historical Society
I pulled into the driveway and was like, 'Oh my goodness!' It just looked as if someone had picked up a piece of land from the countryside and dropped it right smack in the middle of the city. Wow! - Judy, Visitor - New York City (Oct. 2016)

Cloaked all year through in the green of the pines, arbor vitae, honeysuckle and hollies, the outdoor space is a seasonal kaleidoscope of colour that is a delight to the eyes. Then there is the brilliance of the wide white lawns, the snow balanced on the boughs of the evergreen and the yard decked out in Christmas splendour that are truly sights to behold. With the surprises of the expansive, ever-changing exterior spaces, all the special nooks and crannies of the interior spaces, and the special activities, The Ketcham House stands out as a wonderful place to visit and explore.

And this is exactly what Jason Antos, president of the Queens Historical Society and QHS board member Rob MacKay of the Queens Tourism Council discovered as they led a walking virtual tour of Addisleigh Park, a neighbouring historical district renown for having been the home of 'talented figures like Ella Fitzgerald, Jackie Robinson, Lena Horne, Count Basie, and Cootie Williams.' As the beautiful specimen of antiquity that is the Ketcham House loomed up before them, it prompted the filming of an introduction to the home. The broad smiles betray the feeling that this house is indeed an amazing find.

If this house was in California, I would film here all the time! I think this is an amazing house, a great place to film. - Brian, Film Producer - North Hollywood, California (Oct. 2016)

More Than Just a House!

A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT

Quite a Stand-Out!

This beautiful, easily-accessible and historic home was renovated in 2015 and is shining bright again. The Ketcham House in Hollis, Queens is a home away from home for visitors from near and far. It has been selected for the making of films and commercials. And it continues to be a top choice for business people from around the world seeking to find that right combination of comfortable accommodations, top-notch English language instruction and guidance for NYC sightseeing.

peach tree
This large, freestanding, elaborately ornamented Italianate house is a remarkable throwback to the area's 19th century roots. Good console brackets. - The AIA Guide to New York City

The AIA Guide to New York City is "hailed as a 'definitive record of New York's architectural heritage'... [and] is an essential reference for everyone with an interest in architecture and those who simply want to know more about New York City. -Source

LOCATION FOR FILM-MAKERS

A Producer's Panacea

With ample space indoors and out; a large selection of rooms to transform; a number of options for outdoor scenery; both vintage and more modern spaces; a variety of curios and tchotchke on loan; and excessive amounts of parking (including on-site parking for over-sized vehicles), The Ketcham House has attracted attention as being a great place for commercial filming in New York City.

SELECT

HOMESTAY & LANGUAGE STUDY

Learn English on Vacation!

At The Ketcham House, you can learn English with an accomplished speech and language specialist while experiencing the sights and sounds of New York City. Hands down, the best way to learn a new language is to be fully immersed in that language environment, and participation in the household activities allows for great cultural and professional exchange. Lessons are tailored to suit the English language level of the visiting student; business and other specialized coursework are also available.

SELECT

SHORT-TERM LODGING

Room to stretch out and relax!

Whether you are in need of a single room or enough space to lounge about with your family, The Ketcham House may be just the place for you! It's your choice of rooms with plenty of extra amenities such as:

SELECT

  • Private entrance
  • Fully equipped guest kitchen
  • Formal dining room & Large sitting room for guests
  • Big screen television; wide range of Fios channels
  • Free high speed Internet
  • On-site parking and much more...

NYC T-N-R INITIATIVE

Playing our Part!

To address the problem of the tens of thousands of stray community cats in NYC, the Trap-Neuter-Return program has been initiated where "entire colonies of community cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, eartipped, and returned to their territory of origin." At The Ketcham House, we play a part. We have trapped and neutered over 25 cats and will continue to participate in the programme. The registered colony of cats that frequent the property are fed, cared for and allowed the freedom to enjoy a humane feline existence.

FIND OUT MORE...

A GREAT PLACE TO BE!

A Stand-Out

This beautiful, easily-accessible and historic home was renovated in 2015 and is shining bright again. The Ketcham House is a home away from home for visitors from near and far. It has been selected for the making of films and commercials. And it continues to be a top choice for business people from around the world seeking to find that right combination of comfortable accommodations, English language instruction and guidance for NYC sightseeing.

- AIA Guide to
New York City

The AIA Guide to New York City is "hailed as a 'definitive record of New York's architectural heritage'... [and] is an essential reference for everyone with an interest in architecture and those who simply want to know more about New York City."

LOCATION FOR FILM-MAKERS

A Producer's Panacea

With ample space indoors and out, a large selection of rooms to transform, a number of options for outdoor scenery and excessive amounts of parking (including on-site parking for over-sized vehicles), The Ketcham House has attracted attention as being a great place for commercial filming in New York City.

SELECT

HOMESTAY & LANGUAGE STUDY

Learn English on Vacation!

At The Ketcham House you can learn English with an experienced speech and language specialist while experiencing the sights and sounds of New York City. Hands down, the best way to learn a new language is to be fully immersed in that language environment, and participation in the household activities allows for great cultural and professional exchange. Lessons are tailored to suit the English language level of the visiting student; business and other specialized coursework are also available.

SELECT

SHORT TERM LODGING

Room to stretch out and relax!

Whether you are in need of a single room or enough space to lounge about with your family, The Ketcham House may be just the place you are looking for. It's your choice of a student or business room or both with plenty of extra amenities such as: Private entrance; Fully equipped guest kitchen; Formal dining room & Large sitting room for guests; Big screen television; wide range of Fios channels; Free high speed Internet On-site parking and much more..

SELECT

NYC T-N-R INITIATIVE

Playing our Part!

To address the problem of the tens of thousands of stray community cats in NYC, the Trap-Neuter-Return program has been initiated where "entire colonies of community cats are trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, eartipped, and returned to their territory of origin." At The Ketcham House, we play a part. The registered colony of cats that frequent the property are fed, cared for and allowed the freedom to enjoy a humane feline existence.

FIND OUT MORE...

Our Historical Timeline & Our GalleryTravel Through The Decades

Find out more about the history of The Ketcham House in this wonderful Historical Timeline that details the lives and times of the families that have shared this outstanding property.  It's a great collection of videos, articles and images.  Do have a look!

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The Changes through the Ages

FROM FARMHOUSE TO BELOVED EMBLEM OF THE PAST

1

1922

The Ketcham farmhouse, used as garden nursery and stable in early 1900's.

2

1926

Modernized by developer; land subdivided with buildings built around the perimeter.

3

1990's

The Ashleys move in and bring the fullness and joy of family back to the home.

TODAY

↪  Check Out Our Historical Timeline

and . . .

ARTICLES & BOOK EXCERPTS - IMAGES & MORE

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View the Gallery

Snapshots of the Newsmakers

The Ketcham farm, house and its residents have managed to appear in the headlines and in books over and over again. In the gallery you get an opportunity to ready and learn more.

Visit the Gallery

Headlines & News Stories

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View Faces and Places

Browse the gallery and discover the places and the faces that have been associated with The Ketcham House through the ages.

Visit the Gallery

PORTRAITS & IMAGES

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The Ketcham House Gallery

Browse newspaper articles, book excerpts, images and more, and explore the outstanding history of The Ketcham House. Click and Learn more! It's as easy as 1-2-3!

Visit the Gallery

READ, BROWSE & EXPLORE

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ARTICLES & BOOK EXCERPTS - IMAGES & MORE

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View the Gallery

The Ketcham House Community

united we stand

The Latest Blogs

Hollis Community Meet & Greet: From …

 An Informed Neighborhood is an Empowered Neighborhood. Transform the strangers next-door into neighbors with whom we can share knowledge and...

The Hollis Preservation Association

Our voice is not being heard!  Please, Stop destroying our beautiful historic homes!  We want to reconnect with our neighbors...

Newest Groups Formed

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